Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
Psychological disorders, such as depression, bipolar, and anxiety disorders can present several complications for patients of all ages. These disorders affect patients physically and emotionally, potentially impacting judgment, school and/or job performance, and relationships with family and friends. Since these disorders have many drastic effects on patients’ lives, it is important for advanced practice nurses to effectively manage patient care. With patient factors and medical history in mind, it is the advanced practice nurse’s responsibility to ensure the safe and effective diagnosis, treatment, and education of patients with psychological disorders.
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For this Discussion, you will select an interactive media piece to practice decision making when treating patients with psychological disorders. You will recommend the most effective pharmacotherapeutic to treat the psychological disorder presented and examine potential impacts of pharmacotherapeutics on a patient’s pathophysiology.
To Prepare
· Review this week’s interactive media pieces and select one to focus on for this Discussion.
· Reflect on the decision steps in the interactive media pieces, and consider the potential impacts from the administration of the associated pharmacotherapeutics on the patient’s pathophysiology.
Post a brief explanation of the psychological disorder presented and the decision steps you applied in completing the interactive media piece for the psychological disorder you selected.
Then, explain how the administration of the associated pharmacotherapeutics you recommended may impact the patient’s pathophysiology. Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
How might these potential impacts inform how you would suggest treatment plans for this patient?
Be specific and provide examples.
.
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RequiredReadings.docx
Required Readings
Rosenthal, L. D., & Burchum, J. R. (2018). Lehne’s pharmacotherapeutics for advanced practice providers. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
· Chapter 24, “Antipsychotic Agents and Their Use in Schizophrenia” (pp. 231–246)
· Chapter 25, “Antidepressants” (pp. 247–265)
· Chapter 26, “Drugs for Bipolar Disorder” (pp. 267–274)
· Chapter 27, “Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs” (pp. 275–285)
· Chapter 28, “Management of Anxiety Disorders” (pp. 287–292)
· Chapter 29, “Central Nervous System Stimulants and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder” (pp. 293–299)
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RubricDetails.docx
Rubric Detail
Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.
Content
Name: NURS_6521_Week8_Discussion_Rubric
Excellent Good Fair Poor Main Posting Points: Points Range: 45 (45%) – 50 (50%)
Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources. Supported by at least three current, credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 40 (40%) – 44 (44%)
Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth. Supported by at least three credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 35 (35%) – 39 (39%)
Responds to some of the discussion question(s). One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed. Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Post is cited with two credible sources. Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Contains some APA formatting errors.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 0 (0%) – 34 (34%)
Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately. Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria. Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Contains only one or no credible sources. Not written clearly or concisely. Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Feedback:
Main Post: Timeliness Points: Points Range: 10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Posts main post by day 3
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post by day 3
Feedback:
First Response Points: Points Range: 17 (17%) – 18 (18%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. . Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 15 (15%) – 16 (16%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. . Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 13 (13%) – 14 (14%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 0 (0%) – 12 (12%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited.
Feedback:
Second Response Points: Points Range: 16 (16%) – 17 (17%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. . Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 12 (12%) – 13 (13%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. . Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 0 (0%) – 11 (11%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited.
Feedback:
Participation Points: Points Range: 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Feedback:
Points: Points Range: 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days
Feedback:
Show Descriptions Show Feedback
Main Posting–
Levels of Achievement:
Excellent 45 (45%) – 50 (50%)
Answers all parts of the discussion question(s) expectations with reflective critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module and current credible sources. Supported by at least three current, credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style. Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
Good 40 (40%) – 44 (44%)
Responds to the discussion question(s) and is reflective with critical analysis and synthesis of knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. At least 75% of post has exceptional depth and breadth. Supported by at least three credible sources. Written clearly and concisely with one or no grammatical or spelling errors and fully adheres to current APA manual writing rules and style.
Fair 35 (35%) – 39 (39%)
Responds to some of the discussion question(s). One or two criteria are not addressed or are superficially addressed. Is somewhat lacking reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Somewhat represents knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Post is cited with two credible sources. Written somewhat concisely; may contain more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Contains some APA formatting errors.
Poor 0 (0%) – 34 (34%)
Does not respond to the discussion question(s) adequately. Lacks depth or superficially addresses criteria. Lacks reflection and critical analysis and synthesis. Does not represent knowledge gained from the course readings for the module. Contains only one or no credible sources. Not written clearly or concisely. Contains more than two spelling or grammatical errors. Does not adhere to current APA manual writing rules and style. Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
Feedback:
Main Post: Timeliness–
Levels of Achievement:
Excellent 10 (10%) – 10 (10%)
Posts main post by day 3
Good 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Fair 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Poor 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not post by day 3
Feedback:
First Response–
Levels of Achievement:
Excellent 17 (17%) – 18 (18%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. . Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Good 15 (15%) – 16 (16%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. . Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Fair 13 (13%) – 14 (14%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.
Poor 0 (0%) – 12 (12%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited.
Feedback:
Second Response–
Levels of Achievement:
Excellent 16 (16%) – 17 (17%)
Response exhibits synthesis, critical thinking, and application to practice settings. Responds fully to questions posed by faculty. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by at least two scholarly sources. Demonstrates synthesis and understanding of learning objectives. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. . Responses to faculty questions are fully answered, if posed. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English. Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
Good 14 (14%) – 15 (15%)
Response exhibits critical thinking and application to practice settings. Communication is professional and respectful to colleagues. Responses to faculty questions are answered, if posed. Provides clear, concise opinions and ideas that are supported by two or more credible sources. Response is effectively written in standard, edited English.
Fair 12 (12%) – 13 (13%)
Response is on topic and may have some depth. Responses posted in the discussion may lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are somewhat answered, if posed. . Response may lack clear, concise opinions and ideas, and a few or no credible sources are cited.
Poor 0 (0%) – 11 (11%)
Response may not be on topic and lacks depth. Responses posted in the discussion lack effective professional communication. Responses to faculty questions are missing. No credible sources are cited.
Feedback:
Participation–
Levels of Achievement:
Excellent 5 (5%) – 5 (5%)
Meets requirements for participation by posting on three different days.
Good 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Fair 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Poor 0 (0%) – 0 (0%)
Does not meet requirements for participation by posting on 3 different days
Feedback:
Total Points: 100 Name: NURS_6521_Week8_Discussion_Rubric
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PlagiarismReport.docx
USW1.539.202010 – NURS-6521N-3/NURS-6521C-3-ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY2019 FALL QUARTER 08/26-11/17-PT27
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Idalmis Espinosa on Wed, Oct 16 2019, 10:46 AM
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· WK8Assgn Espinosa I.(extension).doc
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Citations (8/8)
1. 1Another student’s paper
2. 2Another student’s paper
3. 3https://www.studypool.com/questions/856597
4. 4Another student’s paper
5. 5Another student’s paper
6. 6Another student’s paper
7. 7Another student’s paper
8. 8Another student’s paper
Running Head: DECISION TREE 1
DECISION TREE 2
Assessing and Treating Clients with Alzheimer Disease
Name: Idalmis Espinosa
Institution: Walden University
Date: 10/16/19
Assessing and Treating Clients with Alzheimer Disease
Introduction
1 Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by cognitive and behavioral impairment, which considerably affects social and occupational running. It is an irreversible, gradually worsening disease that affects the brain’s memory and thinking abilities. A person with Alzheimer’s will slowly start becoming forgetful until it is significantly noticeable among their family and friends. Later in the development of this disease, they will also begin to change in personality and require increasing assistance in completing simple everyday tasks. 1 AD is a complex disease, and it is improbable that any treatment approach or intervention can successfully treat it. Approaches are currently focused on helping patients to maintain mental functions, manage behavioral symptoms, and reduce the associated symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease has been associated with around 70% of all dementia cases in the world (Alzheimer Association, 2015). 1 The most common first signs of AD include the loss of memory in the short term eg, forgetting appointments, frequently misplacing objects, or asking repetitive questions. The patient’s comprehension and vocabulary become impoverished. Other cognitive deficits seem to involve several functions, such as language dysfunction exhibited by difficulty thinking of common words and errors in writing or speaking (Morris et al., 2014). Impaired reasoning is often witnessed, characterized by difficulty in handling tasks and poor judgment. Other signs and symptoms are seen from the visuospatial dysfunction, which is the inability to recognize common objects and faces. Spatial disorientation results in difficulty of circumnavigating objects. A large majority of Alzheimer patients show behavioral concerns during the course of the disease (Alzheimer Association, 2015). Depression, apathy, lack of or sleep disturbance may be seen at an early stage. Psychotic symptoms, physical and verbal aggression, psychomotor agitation, and inappropriate sexual conduct appears during the later stages of dementia. In the progressive stages of Alzheimer’s, some patients tend to develop motor signs like urinary inconsistencies, myoclonus, gait disturbance, and tremor (Morris et al., 2014). Additionally, a seizure can also be witnessed in patients with AD.
This case study examines the examination and treatment of an elderly Iranian man displaying strange behaviors. According to his son, Mr Akkad has lost interest in some of the things that he used to enjoy. At the same time, the client forgets things frequently. 2 In the last two years, the client has continued to show a decline in behavioral and cognitive functioning. Progressive reports show that Mr Akkad continuously portrays strange behaviors and thoughts, which have significantly affected his personality to the level that he does not show any interest in religious family engagements and criticizes those around him. Mr Akkad has also shown a dramatic change in attitude, particularly on things that he used to take seriously, which he tends to ridicule. Mr Akkad’s son states that his father’s memory loss is progressively getting worse and experiences difficulty remembering certain things. In most cases, he sometimes fails to make up the right words in a conversation and tends to deviate from the main discussion to a totally unrelated topic. The results of the memory test indicate grey confabulations after the client is subjected to PMHNP performance testing. 3 This is a type of mini-mental state examination. 4 One major area of concern is that the client scored 18 out of 30 in the mini-mental state examination. Major deficiencies were shown on calculation, orientation, attention, and registration. It can be concluded that the client had moderate dementia. Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
Decision Point 1
3 Begin Exelon (rivastigmine) 1.5 mg orally BID with an increase to 3 mg orally BID in 2 weeks.
2 I have chosen this treatment approach because Exelon is considered as an effective and powerful drug that can treat issues associated with the normal functioning of the brain in aspects such as thought process, memory, and language. Exelon can help improve the normal functioning of the brain’s nerve cells (Fife, 2016). It is one of the first-line agents in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and also one of the most effective. Aricept and Razadyne are second-line agents for Alzheimer’s disease treatment; therefore, it would be wise not to use them ahead of Exelon at the beginning of the therapy. It, therefore, becomes the best option, to begin with.
Exelon is a very effective drug within the first two weeks of treatment. 4 In four weeks, the client returns to the clinic, and his son reports a lack of improvement from the medication. Mr Akkad is still showing a lack of interest in religious services, which used to interest him and continues to show disinhibited behaviors. Confabulation can still be noted, and I administered the MMSE once again, and the score was the same (18 out of 30).
There is a big difference between the actual results and the results I expected. The client still experienced the same symptoms and had no improvement from the medication. The MMSE was administered, and the score was 18 out of 30. The results are short of my expectations because I thought the client would show some little improvement.
Decision Point 2
5 Increase Exelon to 4.5 mg orally BID
From the first line of treatment, it is clear that the patient does not respond to the treatment and does not show any signs of improvement. Increasing the Exelon to 4.5 mg orally BID would help determine if the initial dosage was insufficient and could fasten the recovery process. 2 It helped restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and seems to improve the awareness, memory, and ability to take part in the daily activities (Fife, 2016).
By the end of 4 weeks, I expect the client to report a reduction in the symptoms, start attending religious services, and starts showing interest in some activities or events that he used to enjoy. His thought process and personality should show some improvement as well. 6 When the client reported to the clinic, his son reports that he is tolerating the medication well. This is per my expectation. However, he is still concerned that Mr Akkad has not had much improvement. He also reports that he has started joining the family for religious services, and the rest of the family are very happy. However, he is still amused by some of the things that he used to treat seriously. I am not worried about the results because I believe the patient is heading in the right direction, and therapy is starting to show effect. Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
Decision Point 3
7 Increase Exelon to 6 mg orally BID
From the second line of treatment, it is evident that the patient started responding to the medication because he can now attend religious family service but still amused by some things he used to treat seriously. Increasing Exelon to 6 mg orally BID will speed the recovery process and improve cognition, mood, and ability to engage in daily activities.
It is expected that an increase in dose will be effective and alleviate the generalized symptoms of Alzheimer’s. No side effects are expected because the dose is appropriate. The patient should be able to overcome the condition within some time. However, I would advise the client’s to be patient with him because the trajectory of treating Alzheimer’s is that the disease is irreversible and can take a significantly long time to control (Anderson, Murphy & Troyer, 2012).
The clinician needs to educate the patient and family about the available medical treatments that Mr Akkad can be subjected to and the reason for choosing Exelon as well as its associated side effects. They should also be informed about the importance of taking the medications regularly and a sufficient dosage for the patients. The client’s son should also be counseled regarding the trajectory of presumptive Alzheimer’s disease, considering the fact that it is an irreversible disease, and even though cholinesterase inhibitors can stabilize the associated symptoms, the process can take several months.
Conclusion
Exelon is one of the cholinesterase inhibitor drugs that can temporarily stabilize and reduce the cognitive decline in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In the treatment of the disease, it is important to consider the first line of treatment before considering the possibility of using the second line. Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). 1 2015 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & dementia: 1 the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 11(3), 332.
Anderson, N. 8 D., Murphy, K. J., & Troyer, A. K. (2012). 8 Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Guide to Maximizing Brain Health and Reducing Risk of Dementia. Oxford: 8 Oxford University Press.
Fife, B. (2016). 8 Stop Alzheimer’s Now: 2 How to Prevent and Reverse Dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders. Colorado Springs, CO: 8 Piccadilly Books, US.
Morris, J. 1 C., Storandt, M., Miller, J. P., McKeel, D. W., Price, J. L., Rubin, E. H., & Berg, L. (2014). 1 Mild cognitive impairment represents early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Archives of neurology, 58(3), 397-405.
-
NewPlagiarismreport.docx
USW1.539.202010 – NURS-6521N-3/NURS-6521C-3-Advanced Pharmacology2019 Fall Quarter 08/26-11/17-PT27
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4. 4 https://www.studypool.com/questions/856597
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Assessing and Treating Clients with Alzheimer Disease
Name: Idalmis Espinosa
Institution: Walden University
NURS 6521: Advanced Pharmacology
Date: 10/18/19
1 Assessing and Treating Clients with Alzheimer Disease
Introduction
2 Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition that is characterized by cognitive and behavioral impairment, which considerably affects social and occupational running. It is an irreversible, gradually worsening disease that affects the brain’s memory and thinking abilities. A person with Alzheimer’s will slowly start becoming forgetful until it is significantly noticeable among their family and friends. Later in the development of this disease, they will also begin to change in personality and require increasing assistance in completing simple everyday tasks. 2 AD is a complex disease, and it is improbable that any treatment approach or intervention can successfully treat it. Approaches are currently focused on helping patients to maintain mental functions, manage behavioral symptoms, and reduce the associated symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease has been associated with around 70% of all dementia cases in the world (Alzheimer Association, 2015). 2 The most common first signs of AD include the loss of memory in the short term eg, forgetting appointments, frequently misplacing objects, or asking repetitive questions. The patient’s comprehension and vocabulary become impoverished. Other cognitive deficits seem to involve several functions, such as language dysfunction exhibited by difficulty thinking of common words and errors in writing or speaking (Morris et al., 2014). Impaired reasoning is often witnessed, characterized by difficulty in handling tasks and poor judgment. Other signs and symptoms are seen from the visuospatial dysfunction, which is the inability to recognize common objects and faces. Spatial disorientation results in difficulty of circumnavigating objects. A large majority of Alzheimer patients show behavioral concerns during the course of the disease (Alzheimer Association, 2015). Depression, apathy, lack of or sleep disturbance may be seen at an early stage. Psychotic symptoms, physical and verbal aggression, psychomotor agitation, and inappropriate sexual conduct appears during the later stages of dementia. In the progressive stages of Alzheimer’s, some patients tend to develop motor signs like urinary inconsistencies, myoclonus, gait disturbance, and tremor (Morris et al., 2014). Additionally, a seizure can also be witnessed in patients with AD.
This case study examines the examination and treatment of an elderly Iranian man displaying strange behaviors. According to his son, Mr Akkad has lost interest in some of the things that he used to enjoy. At the same time, the client forgets things frequently. 3 In the last two years, the client has continued to show a decline in behavioral and cognitive functioning. Progressive reports show that Mr Akkad continuously portrays strange behaviors and thoughts, which have significantly affected his personality to the level that he does not show any interest in religious family engagements and criticizes those around him. Mr Akkad has also shown a dramatic change in attitude, particularly on things that he used to take seriously, which he tends to ridicule. Mr Akkad’s son states that his father’s memory loss is progressively getting worse and experiences difficulty remembering certain things. In most cases, he sometimes fails to make up the right words in a conversation and tends to deviate from the main discussion to a totally unrelated topic. The results of the memory test indicate grey confabulations after the client is subjected to PMHNP performance testing. 4 This is a type of mini-mental state examination. 5 One major area of concern is that the client scored 18 out of 30 in the mini-mental state examination. 1 Major deficiencies were shown on calculation, orientation, attention, and registration. It can be concluded that the client had moderate dementia. Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
4 Begin Exelon (rivastigmine) 1.5 mg orally BID with an increase to 3 mg orally BID in 2 weeks.
3 I have chosen this treatment approach because Exelon is considered as an effective and powerful drug that can treat issues associated with the normal functioning of the brain in aspects such as thought process, memory, and language. Exelon can help improve the normal functioning of the brain’s nerve cells (Fife, 2016). It is one of the first-line agents in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and also one of the most effective. Aricept and Razadyne are second-line agents for Alzheimer’s disease treatment; therefore, it would be wise not to use them ahead of Exelon at the beginning of the therapy. It, therefore, becomes the best option, to begin with.
Exelon is a very effective drug within the first two weeks of treatment. 5 In four weeks, the client returns to the clinic, and his son reports a lack of improvement from the medication. Mr Akkad is still showing a lack of interest in religious services, which used to interest him and continues to show disinhibited behaviors. Confabulation can still be noted, and I administered the MMSE once again, and the score was the same (18 out of 30).
There is a big difference between the actual results and the results I expected. The client still experienced the same symptoms and had no improvement from the medication. The MMSE was administered, and the score was 18 out of 30. The results are short of my expectations because I thought the client would show some little improvement.
Increase Exelon to 4.5 mg orally BID
From the first line of treatment, it is clear that the patient does not respond to the treatment and does not show any signs of improvement. Increasing the Exelon to 4.5 mg orally BID would help determine if the initial dosage was insufficient and could fasten the recovery process. 3 It helped restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain and seems to improve the awareness, memory, and ability to take part in the daily activities (Fife, 2016).
By the end of 4 weeks, I expect the client to report a reduction in the symptoms, start attending religious services, and starts showing interest in some activities or events that he used to enjoy. His thought process and personality should show some improvement as well. 6 When the client reported to the clinic, his son reports that he is tolerating the medication well. This is per my expectation. However, he is still concerned that Mr Akkad has not had much improvement. He also reports that he has started joining the family for religious services, and the rest of the family are very happy. However, he is still amused by some of the things that he used to treat seriously. I am not worried about the results because I believe the patient is heading in the right direction, and therapy is starting to show effect.
Increase Exelon to 6 mg orally BID
From the second line of treatment, it is evident that the patient started responding to the medication because he can now attend religious family service but still amused by some things he used to treat seriously. Increasing Exelon to 6 mg orally BID will speed the recovery process and improve cognition, mood, and ability to engage in daily activities.
It is expected that an increase in dose will be effective and alleviate the generalized symptoms of Alzheimer’s. No side effects are expected because the dose is appropriate. The patient should be able to overcome the condition within some time. However, I would advise the client’s to be patient with him because the trajectory of treating Alzheimer’s is that the disease is irreversible and can take a significantly long time to control (Anderson, Murphy & Troyer, 2012).
Ethical Consideration
The clinician needs to educate the patient and family about the available medical treatments that Mr Akkad can be subjected to and the reason for choosing Exelon as well as its associated side effects. They should also be informed about the importance of taking the medications regularly and a sufficient dosage for the patients. The client’s son should also be counseled regarding the trajectory of presumptive Alzheimer’s disease, considering the fact that it is an irreversible disease, and even though cholinesterase inhibitors can stabilize the associated symptoms, the process can take several months. Discussion: Decision Making When Treating Psychological Disorders
Conclusion
Exelon is one of the cholinesterase inhibitor drugs that can temporarily stabilize and reduce the cognitive decline in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. In the treatment of the disease, it is important to consider the first line of treatment before considering the possibility of using the second line.
References
Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). 2 2015 Alzheimer’s disease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & dementia: 2 the journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 11(3), 332.
Anderson, N. 7 D., Murphy, K. J., & Troyer, A. K. (2012). 7 Living With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Guide to Maximizing Brain Health and Reducing Risk of Dementia. Oxford: 7 Oxford University Press.
Fife, B. (2016). 7 Stop Alzheimer’s Now: 3 How to Prevent and Reverse Dementia, Parkinson’s, ALS, Multiple Sclerosis, and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders. Colorado Springs, CO: 7 Piccadilly Books, US.
Morris, J. 2 C., Storandt, M., Miller, J. P., McKeel, D. W., Price, J. L., Rubin, E. H., & Berg, L. (2014). 2 Mild cognitive impairment represents early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Archives of neurology, 58(3), 397-405.